[RESOLVED] Links to Google sites in Virtual Dr posts don't work

[SpywareDr]

1) Does the same thing happen when you go to http://173.194.37.80

2) What happens if you change your DNS servers to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4?

3) Are you using the default Windows HOSTS file?

4) Are you using a proxy server?

5) Are you behind a company firewall?

6) Does the same thing happen in all browsers?

7) What happens if you Reset IE?

8) Does the same thing happen in Safe Mode with Networking?

[Welshjim]

SpywareDr--
1) I go to http://173.194.37.80/ , not httpS, a generic Google search page.
2) Educate me. How do I do that? Downsides to going back?
3) I am not sure how to answer that. I normally surf using the MVPS HOSTS file, but I toggle that off when viewing VDr, so then I am using the Windows HOSTS file (nothing blocked). In any event the result is the same either way.
4) No
5) I use Windows Firewall.
6) I see the VDr Google links OK in Firefox. No redirection.
7) I have not tried that, but no difference if I use IE with no add-ons. If I use Reset, is there an easy to go back to the way I have IE set up, like System Restore?
8) Same result using the links in my Post #1. I go to httpS://www.google.com. Generic Search window.

So that leaves only 2 and 7 as possible fixes.

[Welshjim]

SpywareDr--Change Answer 2 above to
Educate me. How do I do that? Any problems to reverting to present settings? From ipconfig/all the settings now seem 75.75.75.75 and 76.76.76.76

[SpywareDr]

Change TCP/IP settings

Under Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Use the following DNS server addresses ... 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

--

Are you signed into Google?

Google > Inside Search > SSL Search

With Google search over SSL, you can have an end-to-end encrypted search solution between your computer and Google. This secured channel helps protect your search results and, in most cases, your search terms (exceptions outlined below) from being intercepted by a third party. This provides you with a more secure and private search experience.

As we make SSL available, SSL search will be the default when you are signed in.

When SSL search is in use, the URL will contain https (note the extra "s") followed by the Google domain, e.g. https://www.google.com, and your browser may also provide a visual indication that you are using SSL, such as a lock icon in the URL bar.

You can also navigate directly to https://www.google.com or to https://encrypted.google.com if you are signed out or if you don’t have a Google Account.
...

[Welshjim]

SpywareDr--Thanks.
Those "Change TCP/IP settings" instructions are for Vista, but I found the ones for Win 7 Ultimate. I changed the DNS Server settings to 8.8.8.8 (Preferred) and 8.8.4.4 (Alternate) on same screen , and tried the links in Post #1. No change. I still wind up at httpS://www.google.com .

Re: Google. No, I am usually not signed into Google (Gmail) when I access VDr, although I do have a GMail account. That suggestion could be the problem, but I how do I change that? I already have Google Settings|Browser Connection set at "Don't always use HTTPS". But as mentioned I am not signed into Google when using the links in Post #1.

[SpywareDr]

Try this:

1. In IE, log in to your Google/Gmail account
   
   
2. Remove Your Google Search History
   https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/0...y-takes-effect
   
   
3. In IE, click Tools > Internet Options > General tab > select "Delete browsing history on exit" > Apply > OK.
   
   
4. Log out of Google/Gmail.
   
   
5. Close IE.
   
   
6. Reopen IE and try your http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sugexp=...w=1112&bih=779 link again.

[Welshjim]

SpywareDr--I thought I did what you suggested in your latest post. No change.
Then I reread your post and saw that I had not signed out of Google. (Even though you also mentioned that in an earlier post.) I had only closed Google.
And the links now seem to work!! Really weird!

Many thanks!!!

FWIW, however, the problem seems to occur only with Google links within VDr.

[SpywareDr]

You're more than welcome. Glad I was able to help.